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County childcare costs · DOL NDCP 2022

Childcare costs in Sabine Parish, LA

$6,847 a year for center-based infant care — 16.8% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.

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Center-based infant care in Sabine Parish, LA costs $6,847/year, while family childcare is $5,393/year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices. This represents 16.8% of the median household income — exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $6,847/year, and preschool-age care is $6,888/year. This page shows all available care types, age groups, affordability analysis, and year-over-year cost trends for Sabine Parish, LA, LA.

Sabine Parish vs. the nation

At $6,847 a year for center-based infant care, Sabine Parish, LA is 29% below the national average of $9,592 — cheaper than 73% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 16.8% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.

Infant care (center)
$6,847/yr
Vs. national avg
-29%
National rank
#700 cheapest of 2,662
Share of income
16.8%

Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.

$6,847
Center Infant/yr
$5,393
Family Infant/yr
$40,777
Median Income
16.8%
% of Income (Infant)

Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group

Age Group Center-Based Family Childcare
Infant $6,847 $5,393
Toddler $6,847 $5,393
Preschool $6,888 $5,437
School Age $6,240 $5,373

Cost Comparison (Center-Based)

Infant $6,847
Toddler $6,847
Preschool $6,888
School Age $6,240

Where Sabine Parish ranks on infant-care cost

Center-based infant care — every U.S. county with reported prices

$6,847 Among the most affordable more affordable than 73% of 2,662 US counties

$2,500–$5,000: 87 US counties (3%). Below this entry. $5,000–$7,500: 794 US counties (30%). This entry sits in this band. $7,500–$10,000: 780 US counties (29%). Above this entry. $10,000–$12,500: 602 US counties (23%). Above this entry. $12,500–$15,000: 158 US counties (6%). Above this entry. $15,000–$17,500: 133 US counties (5%). Above this entry. $17,500–$20,000: 55 US counties (2%). Above this entry. $20,000–$22,500: 34 US counties (1%). Above this entry. $22,500–$25,000: 9 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $25,000–$27,500: 4 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $27,500–$30,000: 4 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $30,000–$32,500: 2 US counties (0%). Above this entry. This county $2,500 $32,500 every U.S. county, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $2.5K-wide band; taller bars hold more US counties. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Department of Labor — National Database of Childcare Prices · 2022

What These Numbers Mean for Sabine Parish Families

Center-based infant care in Sabine Parish, LA averages $6,847/year, while family childcare homes charge $5,393/year for the same age group. The gap between the two settings — $1,454 annually for infants — reflects different licensing tracks in LA: centers operate under commercial child care licensing with staff-to-child ratios typically capped at 1:4 for infants and 1:10 for preschoolers, while family child care homes follow small-home rules allowing up to six children with one provider. Preschool-age coverage runs $6,888/year at centers versus $5,437/year in family settings, and school-age wrap-around care averages $6,240/year. These are annualized full-time rates from the NDCP market-rate survey — actual quoted prices swing with QRIS quality tier, accreditation (NAEYC, NAFCC), and whether the provider accepts CCDF subsidy vouchers.

Household affordability in Sabine Parish tracks against a median income of $40,777, putting infant center care at 16.8% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 9.8 points. Between 15-20% of income, Sabine Parish sits in a high-burden tier where most working families need subsidy help or split shifts to cover care. Providers in this cost band typically require two months of tuition as deposit plus non-refundable registration fees of $75-$250.

Finding a licensed provider in Sabine Parish starts with the LA Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency — these nonprofits maintain searchable databases of licensed centers and family homes, note open slots, and handle CCDF subsidy intake. Ask any provider for their current inspection report (publicly available through the state licensing portal), their staff turnover rate, and whether they participate in the state's QRIS quality rating system. For families earning under $34,660, the CCDF subsidy caps parent copayments at a sliding-scale percentage of income. Head Start slots (free for families under 100% federal poverty line) and state-funded pre-K programs fill the preschool tier at zero out-of-pocket cost where available. This 2022 data provides the baseline — always verify current LA licensing status and tuition directly with the provider before enrollment.

Affordability Context

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's income.

Center infant cost: $6,847
Median household income: $40,777
Cost as % of income: 16.8%
7% affordability threshold: $2,854/year

Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)

Center-based infant care costs over 2008–2022 (15 years of NDCP data).

+40.7% since 2008
Infant center care: $4,866 → $6,847
$6,847/yr
Most recent annual cost (2022)
15 years
Data available (2008–2022)
2008
$4,866
2009
$4,922
2010
$5,200
2011
$5,330
2012
$5,460
2013
$5,564
2014
$5,668
2015
$5,807
2016
$5,945
2017
$6,084
2018
$6,223
2019
$6,361
2020
$6,500
2021
$6,673
2022
$6,847
View full data table (all care types) ▼
Year Ctr Infant
2008 $4,866
2009 $4,922
2010 $5,200
2011 $5,330
2012 $5,460
2013 $5,564
2014 $5,668
2015 $5,807
2016 $5,945
2017 $6,084
2018 $6,223
2019 $6,361
2020 $6,500
2021 $6,673
2022 $6,847

What this means for Sabine Parish families

Infant center care here takes 16.8% of the typical household income — above the HHS 7% affordability line.

  • At 16.8% of income, infant care exceeds the federal 7% affordability benchmark. Check whether your family qualifies for a CCDF subsidy, which can cap copayments at a sliding share of income. Check subsidy eligibility
  • Family childcare homes run $5,393/year for infants — about $1,454 less than a center. Weigh the trade-offs of each setting. Center vs. home care
  • See how Sabine Parish compares against the cheapest counties in Louisiana. Cheapest in Louisiana

NDCP figures are county-level survey medians for 2022 — confirm current tuition and openings directly with providers and your state CCR&R agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does childcare cost in Sabine Parish, LA? ▼
In Sabine Parish, LA, center-based infant care costs $6,847/year. Family childcare for infants is $5,393/year. Preschool center-based care costs $6,888/year.
Is childcare affordable in Sabine Parish, LA? ▼
Center-based infant care in Sabine Parish, LA costs 16.8% of the median household income ($40,777). The HHS affordability threshold is 7%. Childcare here exceeds the affordability threshold by 9.8 percentage points.
Are childcare costs rising in Sabine Parish, LA? ▼
From 2022 to 2008, center-based infant care in Sabine Parish, LA changed from $6,847 to $4,866 (-28.9%).
What age groups does childcare cost data cover in Sabine Parish, LA? ▼
Data covers four age groups: Infant (0-1), Toddler (1-2), Preschool (3-5), and School Age (6-12). Both center-based and family childcare costs are tracked separately for each age group.
What is the HHS childcare affordability standard? ▼
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines childcare as affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's household income. Counties where infant care exceeds 20% of median income are classified as "affordability deserts."
Where does the childcare cost data come from? ▼
All data comes from the National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau. It provides county-level childcare price estimates based on market rate surveys.
What is the cheapest childcare option in Sabine Parish, LA? ▼
Family-based childcare is typically less expensive in Sabine Parish, LA. Preschool family care costs $5,437/year compared to $6,888/year for center-based care — a difference of $1,451/year. Family childcare operates in a provider's home and usually has smaller group sizes.
How much does before- and after-school care cost in Sabine Parish, LA? ▼
School-age childcare (ages 6-12) in Sabine Parish, LA costs $6,240/year for center-based care and $5,373/year for family childcare. These costs cover before-school, after-school, and summer programs while parents work.

Other Counties in Louisiana

Acadia Parish, LA
Infant: $8,233 · 18.3% of income
Allen Parish, LA
Infant: $6,618 · 12.5% of income
Ascension Parish, LA
Infant: $7,800 · 8.3% of income
Assumption Parish, LA
Infant: $7,800 · 16.6% of income
Avoyelles Parish, LA
Infant: $6,933 · 17.9% of income
Beauregard Parish, LA
Infant: $6,618 · 9.7% of income

Childcare Guides

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Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal CDCTC, FSA limits, and strategies to save on childcare
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Subsidy & Assistance Programs
CCDF, Head Start, and state assistance — how to apply
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Center vs Home Childcare
Compare daycare centers, family home care, and nannies
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Employer Childcare Benefits
FSAs, on-site care, backup programs, and negotiation tips

Explore childcare costs across Louisiana

All Louisiana counties
Every priced county in Louisiana, with averages and the statewide affordability picture.
Cheapest childcare in Louisiana
The most affordable counties in Louisiana ranked by annual center-based cost.
Most expensive in Louisiana
Where Louisiana childcare costs the most, and how far above the state average it runs.
Affordability deserts in Louisiana
Counties where childcare exceeds 20% of median household income.
National rankings
Compare Sabine Parish against the cheapest and costliest counties nationwide.
Affordability calculator
See what childcare costs as a share of your own household income.

Data Sources & Methodology

Data as of 2023. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP).

Childcare cost data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP). Costs are annual estimates based on weekly median prices at the county level.

Affordability is measured against the HHS benchmark of 7% of household income. Median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.

Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Verify with DOL Women's Bureau NDCP →  ·  Verify with U.S. Census ACS →  ·  Verify with HUD →